Jordan Brand Revives the OG Shape of the Air Jordan 2 "Chicago" in This Week's Best Footwear Drops
Launches for the New Balance 990v3 “Olive,” UNDEFEATED x Air Jordan 37 and more are also in order.
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Now that the gifts have been unwrapped, the family white elephant games have concluded and Christmas celebrations have ended, we all now have our eyes set on ringing in the new year with a bang. And to spark some excitement leading up to a new batch of 365 days, all of your favorite footwear brands like Nike, adidas and Vans have cooked up a new assortment of striking drops to get you laced up for 2023. But before we dive into those, let’s first recap the action from last week.
Let’s start off with our exclusives. Hypebeast caught up with Derek Curry— the founder of Sneaker Politics — who discussed his longtime love for the Nike Air Max 1 for our Sole Mates series. We also had our staff pick their favorite sneakers that they rocked in 2022 to be featured in our annual end-of-year Editor’s Picks round-up. On the news front, we captured the University of Oregon showing off its Nike Basketball PEs for 2022-23, an on-foot look at the Jarritos x Nike SB Dunk Low, Deon Point sharing Concepts x Nike SB Dunk Low “Lobster” samples and the first look at Roger Federer’s Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour AJ3 bring-back.
Jordan Brand also got its fans elated over its forthcoming initiatives last week. It officially announced its Spring 2023 retro lineup, teased the return of the Air Jordan 5 “Burgundy,” teased a first glance at the Air Jordan 3 “Lucky Green” and gave a closer look at the Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Doernbecher” designed by Riddhi Mahajan.
Shifting over to the Three Stripes side, adidas announced that it is “re-evaluating” its partnership with Balenciaga following its controversial kids campaign, released a new Y-3 Gazelle capsule and previewed a forthcoming YEEZY 500 colorway for 2023. Other major news that emerged was that Kyrie Irving is currently seeking a new sneaker deal with SIA Collective, SHUSHU/TONG announced a fashion-forward ASICS collaboration and Moncler’s dropped new winter-ready Gaia Pocket Mid Boots.
Now that you’re all up to speed, scroll further down to peep a look at this week’s best releases. And when you’re done, be sure to head over to HBX to shop for more footwear styles.
New Balance 990v3 “Olive”
New Balance
New Balance
New Balance
Release Date: December 29
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: New Balance
Why You Should Cop: Teddy Santis’ creative direction for New Balance and its Made in USA capsule has skyrocketed the brand to new heights. And so to wrap up its successful year, the category is slotting in one more stunning lifestyle offering: the New Balance 990v3 “Olive/Green” colorway. Uppers mostly alternate between olive and green layers while small notes of purple poke out through the N logos, heels and tongues to create a harmonious palette that aligns with the winter season.
UNDEFEATED x Air Jordan 37 “Oil Green”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: December 29
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: The UNDEFEATED x Air Jordan 37 “Oil Green” is once again dropping after receiving an exclusive launch through the streetwear stalwart’s properties before the Christmas holiday. Camouflage prints and “Orange Horizon” accents are spotted on the court-ready kicks to nod to UNDEFEATED’s signature flight jacket and channel a utilitarian-inspired aesthetic.
Nike ISPA Flyknit Sense “Black/Smoke Grey” and “Mineral Slate/Magma Orange”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: December 29
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Known for producing the unconventional, Nike’s ISPA lineage was broadened this year with the debut of the ISPA Flyknit Sense. And this week the model is getting some time in the limelight as it will be dropping in “Black/Smoke Grey” and “Mineral Slate/Magma Orange” colorways. By nature of its build, the kicks are prepared with striking textured midsoles and materials across the upper, and when you toss in playful accents, it takes the lifestyle kicks to another level.
Air Jordan 2 “Chicago”
Asphalt Gold
Asphalt Gold
Asphalt Gold
Release Date: December 30
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS and Asphalt Gold
Why You Should Cop: Jordan Brand is putting a bow on its 2022 retro releases this week by ushering in the classic Air Jordan 2 “Chicago.” Aside from all of the model’s Bulls-friendly red and black accents, the Peter Moore and Bruce Kilgore-designed kicks are coming back with the OG shape that longtime sneakerheads will certainly appreciate.
Palace x Vans Skate Half Cab ‘92 GTX
Palace
Palace
Palace
Release Date: December 30
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: Palace
Why You Should Cop: In celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Skate Half Cab’92 silhouette, Palace and Vans have reunited for a Skate Half Cab ’92 GTX capsule. Three colorways are lined up in this collaborative effort which are styled with navy/white, black/white and yellow/white palettes. Each are understated in appearance as they come fitted with suede uppers and white contrast stitchings. To indicate their weatherproof technologies, the duo slaps on “GORE-TEX” hits atop the heels and banners that reside on the collars.
Nike Air Foamposite One “Dream A World”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: January 1
Release Price: $240 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: After dropping a collaboration with Stüssy, Penny Hardaway’s signature footwear line is capturing our attention again this week. The NBA legend’s Nike Air Foamposite One is slated to drop in a clean “Dream a World” colorway that features a black exterior shell with marbled accents that spruces the kicks up with an elevated look and feel.
adidas UltraBOOST 1.0 “Core Black” and “Cloud White”
Adidas
Adidas
Adidas
Adidas
Adidas
Adidas
Release Date: January 1
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: adidas
Why You Should Cop: Ye is no longer on the adidas roster, but the non-YEEZY silhouettes that he popularized during his tenure with the brand are still floating around the market like the adidas UltraBOOST 1.0. And the model’s two main colorways — the “Core Black” and “Cloud White” — are being reissued to start off the new year. Everything from the tonal PrimeKnit builds and cages to the BOOST-loaded midsoles are returning.
Howlin’ Ray’s x adidas Campus 80s
Adidas
Adidas
Adidas
Release Date: January 1 (EU Release)
Release Price: $126 USD
Where to Buy: Asphalt Gold
Why You Should Cop: One thing to note about adidas is that it never strays t0o far away from the foodie realm when it comes to crafting fun footwear collaborations. And this week, the German sportswear brand’s team-up with Howlin’ Ray’s — a go-to destination for scrumptious Nashville hot chicken based in LA — is being brought to life. The SoCal restaurant reinterprets the Campus *80s silhouette with chicken hangtags, fiery red stripes and liners that represent its spicy chicken sandwiches as well as its moniker atop the lateral heels, lace deubres and see-through soles.
